Burn Permits

The City of Greater Sudbury Open Air Burning By-law regulates the types of fires that require burn permits, the types of materials that can be burned, containers and locations for burning, time for setting and extinguishing fires, and other requirements to protect life and property.

Application for a Burn Permit

Application for a burning permit must be made at least three working days before the date you intend to set the fire.  

Fill out a Burning Permit Application and submit to fireinquiries@greatersudbury.ca or contact Fire Services, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 705-671-2489, extension 3743

Tickets may be issued for noncompliance with this by-law. For further details, please view the complete Open Air Burning By-Law.

Who can have a fire:

  • Only registered owners of a property, or a person with written consent from the registered owner are allowed to set a fire.
  • A registered owner can allow a person to set a fire on his/her property if the person responsible has the ability to control the fire.

Fires that do not require a burn permit:

  • Fire in a burn barrel
  • Back yard fires
  • Campfires
  • Fires in a cooking device
  • Fire in a chiminea
  • Winter lake fires
  • Heating during construction

Fires that require a burn permit:

  • Brush fires
  • Crop residue fires
  • A demonstration or training fire
  • Ceremonial fires
  • A bonfire sponsored by an organization or group of persons 

Details on fires requiring permits:

Brush Fires

  • Fire may be no less than 30 meters from nearest building, structure or overhead wires.
  • Materials to be burned are no more than 2 metres long, 2 metres wide, and 2 metres high.
  • Fire must be set between one half hour before sunset and one half hour after sunrise.
  • Persons responsible must be able to limit the spread of the fire, extinguish it and, if necessary, call the Fire Department.

Crop Residue Fires

  • The total burn area may not exceed one hectare.
  • The flaming edge of the fire may not exceed 30 meters at any time.
  • Fire must be set between one half hour before sunset and one half hour after sunrise.
  • Persons responsible must be able to limit the spread of the fire, extinguish it and, if necessary, call the Fire Department.

Demonstration Fires, Ceremonial Fires or Bonfires Sponsored by an Organization or Group

  • The person must have prior written consent from the Fire Chief to set the fire.
  • The fire must be set and maintained in accordance with the written consent of the Fire Chief.
  • The person does not leave the site of the fire until it is completely extinguished.